むしろ、かえって, and ぎゃくに

Table of Contents

むしろ、かえって, and ぎゃくに all express “On the Contrary”, but with some differences.

むしろ

Rather than/If I had to pick
(Compares 2 things, chooses 1)
Clause + むしろ + Clause

むしろ compares 2 things and picks the latter one.
The object of comparison is usually omitted.
It is typically used for something unexpected, but doesn’t necessarily need to be contrary to expectations.
This is similar to より, and むしろ may be used with より.

Examples

リンゴよりむしろオレンジが好きだ
Rather than apples, I actually like Oranges. (This was likely somewhat unexpected)
むしろこっちが聞きたい
Rather, that’s what I want to ask. (More than you).
むしろ感謝しています
Rather than (sad, etc), I’m grateful.
週末よりむしろ平日のほうがいい
Rather than the weekend, weekdays are better.
肉ではなくむしろ野菜が食べたい
Rather than meat, I want to eat vegetables.

かえって

Contrary to Expectations
Clause + かえって + Unexpected result (mostly bad)

かえって expresses a result contrary to expectations.
This is typically a bad result, but good ones are ok too.
It cannot substitute for むしろ when there is no expectation.

Examples

説明を聞いたが、かえって分からなくなった
I listened to the explanation, but became even more confused.
ライブに行ったが、かえってよく聞こえなかった
I went to the concert but I couldn’t really hear it.
欠点があるからかえって好きだ
I like her because she has flaws.
解決しようとしたが、かえって問題を大きくした
I tried to solve the problem, but just made it worse.

逆に

Just the opposite
(Expectation, Direction, etc)

逆に (ぎゃくに) can be used just like かえって, and additionally as “Opposite”.
That is to say 逆に is not just limited to expectations, but can be used for opposite directions, opposite actions, etc.
It can also be used to ask the opposite of a previously asked question.
It also does not have a tendency to be used for “bad” things.

Examples

彼を落ち着かせようとしたが、逆に泣かせた
I tried to calm him down but made him cry.
逆に、嫌いな食べ物は何ですか
(Instead of foods you like) what are the foods you don’t like?
秘密にしようとしていたが、逆にものすごいスピードで知れ渡った
I tried to keep it secret, but on the contrary, it spread around really fast.
彼を見て、謝るより逆方向に逃げた
He saw him, but instead of apologize he ran in the opposite direction
僕とは逆に、彼女は人見知りだ
Opposite of me, my girlfriend is very shy.

References

Goo (Comparison)
Ok wave (Best answer on Comparison)
Weblio (Some example sentences)